5 May 2000 Many ways to learn about the magic of Lincoln

Janet, a 17-year-old computer-mad seventh former in Invercargill, wanted to know the latest about applied computing courses at Lincoln University. The solution? As simple as www.lincoln.ac.nz . Updated progressively since the beginning of the year, Lincoln's web site provided Janet with easy-to-read, easy-to-follow information about the specific course she was interested in and also all the University's other degree, diploma and certificate courses.

"The site complements the range of information available in the brochures and pamphlets available through the careers advisers at most schools, but for talking things over as a family, in the home environment, there's nothing better than a web site visit," says University Liaison Officer Tim Ruthven.

Tim is one of those responsible for getting that information both on to the web site and into the schools. In his three years of liaison work with the University he has visited most secondary schools in New Zealand and many of them numerous times. He's now been joined by new team members, fellow Lincoln graduate Jo Townsend, and Renata Cooper who is a University of Canterbury graduate.

In a new development Jo will be based in the North Island, at Hamilton, and be responsible for liaison with the majority of North island schools. Renata will work mainly in the South Island with responsibility for most Canterbury schools.

While Janet pursued her enquiry about Lincoln on the web site from home, 26-year-old Greg, a recent Bachelor of Science graduate, wanted to know how the University could help him with career prospects.

Living in Christchurch he was able to come out to the campus in person to see Lincoln's new Employment Liaison Officer, Michelle Ash. Michelle is part of Lincoln University's Employment and Industry Liaison Unit, which is the interface between graduates seeking employment and employers seeking suitable qualified graduates.

Michelle provides a full careers counselling service both for those close to graduation and those who have graduated, and she also handles employer recruitment visits to the campus and keeps in close contact with the graduate job market in general.

Michelle will also be responsible for co-ordinating Lincoln's new internship scheme which enables students to gain first-hand (and paid) experience of work which is related to their degrees while they are studying at the University.

As far as employment in general is concerned, Michelle says that with strong interest in commerce graduates a career in the business world is something to think about for those looking ahead.

"Lincoln offers a mid-year entry option. You can start a full degree programme at the beginning of the second semester on 3 July.

"Naturally patterns change and over the course of a three-year degree programme market demands may alter, so that's why it's good to do as much homework as possible before you get started. That's where the two big advisory services at Lincoln, Liaison and Careers, have so much to offer. Of course the University's academic course advisers are readily available to talk to prospective students and parents too. We're all just a phone call away."

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand